by Deborah Hanyon, MPH, RDN, ACE-CHC | May 22, 2021 | Homeschooling
Does your child hate school? Mine does. Part of the reason for this is that he has a rough time with the writing process. He also has had an extremely difficult time learning his math facts, and spelling is a nightmare. We have tried so many things! Some have worked, some haven't. Based on my own experience, however, there are at least 10 ways I have found that encourage math and writing. Hopefully, at least one of these ideas will be new to you and will be helpful in your kids' educational journey. (Post contains affiliate links).
Going Back to Pre-School
Before I knew my son would continue to have issues with the mechanics of writing things down with a pencil, I tried to give him a head start by teaching him how to write. Unfortunately, I didn't get very far. I can still remember telling his kindergarten teacher before school started for the year that I had been trying to teach him, unsuccessfully, how to write his name. The problem was, HE WAS NOT WILLING. This is often the case with children who struggle with autism. Of course, I didn't know he had autism at this point. (We didn't get a diagnosis until last summer).
So by the time Nathan got into 1st grade, I was still fighting to get him to write his name. By the end of 1st grade, he had a diagnosis of ADHD, sensory processing disorder (SPD), developmental coordination disorder (DCD), and oppositional defiant disorder (ODD). (The ODD was dropped after he went on non-stimulant medication for his ADHD).
Despite the diagnoses, I still knew VERY LITTLE about how to deal with these issues.
Not only could I not get Nathan to write his name, I couldn't get him to write down more than a couple of words at a time. As a result, it would often take hours for him to finish his homework. (We were still in public school until the end of 3rd grade, and spelling homework was required every night, from 1st grade on).
Getting Creative
As a result of his unwillingness to cooperate with my “suggestions,” I had to start getting creative at encouraging math and writing. Like I said a minute ago, I had no real clue how to deal with Nathan's sensory and coordination issues. He had occupational therapy. However, I still found it difficult to get him to do the things the OT suggested. Oftentimes it seemed like a behavioral issue. And I did do my best to “follow the directions.” But it was so hard at times!
Behavior issue or not, when we got down to the nitty-gritty, ALL THAT MATTERED was helping him to be successful in school and in learning. This I felt completely inadequate in achieving at times. I read books, I went shopping at learning centers and other places where they sell teaching materials.
I've always had a thing for educational materials, even before I had a child. I've decided it must have been destiny. Because this love of seeking out new ways of doing things has helped me come up with some great ideas.
One of the first things I tried in 1st grade was letter stickers. For example, instead of making Nathan write down the words, I would have him use the stickers to practice his spelling words. This worked quite well, for a while.
Using Stickers for Spelling Worked Well.
Except that we had to keep buying more stickers. We'd run out of some of the more frequently used letters, such as “a” and “e,” A LOT! This can get expensive if you don't have a Dollar Tree around.
By the way, you can also use stickers for numbers, though I don't think I was desperate enough to need numbers at that point. (Issues with math came later)!
We were somewhat successful with the strategy of stickers. But we later found magnetic letters and numbers and a magnetic white board to be more cost effective (most white boards work). You still have to purchase extra copies for the frequently used letters, but overall, magnetic letters are less expensive. Especially if you have several kids. You can re-use magnetic letters for all your kids if needed.
We continued to use magnetic letters through 4th grade.
In fact, once we started doing school at home, I used this method for helping with bible verses. See pic at right for Bible verse Nathan made the very first week of 4th grade.
The main reason we stopped using the magnetic letters is because the words kept getting bigger and the sentences longer. It wasn't time-efficient by the time he reached 5th grade. However, everyone is different.
Plus, when Nathan started online public school, which is what we did for 4th, 5th and 6th grade, he used the computer more often, and became more tech-savvy. This created a new avenue in which to help with writing and math.
Times Tales
One of the most interesting things I have used to teach Nathan math is called, “Times Tales.” That worked–sort of. He learned some of his math facts this way, but I had to resort to other methods (think “calculator”), 🙁 because unfortunately, for him, the facts just don't stick.
I still think it's a great program, especially for kids who are “right-brained” or picture oriented. I also think it will work well for many kids with learning disabilities. You can find it and download a sample lesson here.
Using a Calculator
By 4th grade, it was becoming increasingly obvious that Nathan's inability to remember his math facts was interfering with his ability to move on to higher level math. I could clearly see he had an aptitude for math. He just couldn't get past those darn multiplication and addition numbers (and division and subtraction). I tried everything until finally I decided that he could use a calculator if the math he was learning was not actually the math facts, but other things such as geometry.
Like I said before, we were still in the public school, just the online version. Nathan had (and still has) an IEP (Individual Education Plan), so we had special education teachers available. His resource specialist agreed that using a calculator was fine when he wasn't learning multiplication and division, etc. So, they added it to his IEP.
Fast forward to today, he can give me math facts–but OH SO slowly!!
Today, for example, we were working on multiplication and division of exponents. He's been using Khan Academy since January, and sometimes he gets stuck. So, I was going over the work with him. He was following along when I tried to explain the steps to him (at least when he didn't get up and walk around). Anyway, we weren't using a calculator, so he had to give me the answers to things such as 10 squared, 6 divided by 3, 9 x -2, etc. He takes a long time to give me an answer, but he is able. So, calculators definitely help speed things up when necessary. By high school and college, he'll be using a calculator, so I don't see it being a problem.
I feel bad for the kids in the public schools who get stuck on multiplication, etc.,
And the school keeps them there and never moves them forward. Everyone has different strengths. And Nathan grasps geometry WAY easier (and tables, bar graphs, etc.) than basic math facts. It's important to me that he gets exposed to higher level math. So, I don't want his inability to completely master basic math facts to interfere with him learning High School Algebra and Geometry.
Online Math Games
This is a more obvious one if you have a kid who likes to play computer games. My son doesn't (can you believe it)? So, he just thinks it's more work when I try to assign math “games.”
Still, here are a few of my favorites. They are all free:
Cool Math Games
Math Playground
Fun Brain
Cool Math 4 Kids
Fact Monster
Khan Academy
We've started using Khan Academy for math since after Christmas. It's free and it has blackboard teaching videos that are really easy to follow. You can skip around, pick what your child needs to practice, or use it as a full curriculum. There are other subjects as well, though it is secular, so if you're a Christian, you probably won't appreciate the history and science as much.
Escape Room Puzzles
This is another way to break up the monotony of the same math homework every day. It can get costly, however. We used 3 different Escape Room Puzzles in December to review ratios, exponents, and fractions. They had a Christmas theme which made them seem a little more fun. My son learned other skills doing these puzzles as well. He had gone into Google, for example. He doesn't have a lot of experience with Google because we are Office people. It was good for both of us to use Google, since a lot of people are using it as well.
Manipulatives
In December, I assigned Nathan several projects that required him to build. For example, I had him create a geometric snowman from a free pattern offered at http://www.minieco.co.uk/. He also created a Sierpinski Fractal Christmas tree (math art). Nathan did an awesome job on both the snowman and the tree and didn't even complain.
The pattern for the tree was provided on the project website (did I mention it was free)? He had to cut out and put together each triangle, and then glue them together. I helped with a few of the triangles because it was a bit tedious. Here is a picture of his completed tree on my Instagram. (Don't forget to follow me :)) There is a principle behind these triangles:
A Sierpinski Triangle
“A Sierpinski Triangle is a mathematically generated pattern in which self-similar shapes are repeated across different scales in a never-ending feedback loop.” Look it up and you and your kids will all learn something!
Many kids don't understand why they are learning math because it is so abstract and seemingly other worldly. Using manipulatives with younger kids is expected. But with older kids, it is helpful as well. For example, building things, such as what I just mentioned, and having students complete other interesting projects such as building taco trucks and zoos (I have seen stuff like this on Teachers Pay Teachers-and plan to get one eventually for my son to use). Click here to see an example.
Hands-on Manipulatives are a great way to teach practical math skills. In addition, manipulatives encourage hands-on learning, reinforce previously learned math facts, and allow for creative (think ART) expression.
Whiteboards and iPad, or Other Tablets
That have blank sheets to write on are great for writing out math problems and for spelling tests, especially if you have a child who hates using a pencil. Plus, you save paper this way. I talk about other strategies I have used here.
Other articles and products from Homeschooling Dietitian Mom:
6 Reasons I'm Thankful for Autism
Why Are Kids Picky Eaters?
Importance of Good Nutrition
Meal Prep for Beginners
Meal Planning for Kids
About Homeschooling Dietitian Mom
by Deborah Hanyon, MPH, RDN, ACE-CHC | Aug 17, 2020 | Food Allergies and Special Diets
One of the dilemmas I’m faced with is that my son will not drink water. As a result, I worry about him being dehydrated. I have tried in the past to force him to drink an ounce or two at a time, in hopes of getting him used to it. However, it has never worked! As he has gotten older and a bit more reasonable about making healthy food choices, I have attempted to explain to him why water is so important. But he is not convinced. As a result of my concerns over dehydration, I have allowed him to drink more juice than the recommended maximum of four ounces per day. (This post contains affiliate links).
He typically drinks about 12 ounces of juice and 8 ounces of milk every day. And THAT IS IT. This is still a lot of juice, but it’s not as much fluid as the recommended amount of 6-8 8-oz cups of water. Plus, it’s not water, it’s juice! As a result, he has issues with dry skin. These issues have been particularly troublesome the past couple of weeks.
So, how to increase fluids in his diet so that he won't be dehydrated?
I know, I know! I’ll make him soup!
Yes, soup is an AWESOME way to increase fluids in your kids’ diets. This is also a great way to increase other nutrients as well. Especially if it is homemade soup. Any vegetable you put into the soup, even if your kids pick it out, will still have “left its mark,” by leaving some of its nutrients in the broth.
Right now, Nathan is having a particularly “dry skin season.” So, I have been busy making different soups the past couple of days to increase his fluid intake. Yesterday, I made pot sticker soup. The day before that I made bean and sausage soup.
I was only able to get him to eat the bean soup once because he doesn’t like to eat beans. I persuaded him by allowing him to add cheese. (Thank goodness he is not allergic to dairy!) He has been willing to eat the pot sticker soup several times, though he initially griped about all the broth.
I will admit that I am not a lover of cooking.
When I’m in the mood, I can produce some delicious recipes, but I’m a bit lazy when it comes to preparing foods. Fortunately, I have Costco to help me. Costco sells frozen foods that tend to be much more wholesome than the average brand. So, we bought some frozen pot stickers at Costco this week, and I made a simple soup with just two ingredients: pot stickers and chicken broth. The beauty of this kind of soup is that you can simply make chicken broth out of a high-quality chicken base, add the pot stickers (I used chicken and veggie), and voila, you’ve got soup!
Even better is if you add carrots, onions, and celery. Now my son was having a bit of a fit over the vegetables being put in, and since my primary goal right now is to get more fluids into his little body, I didn’t add the veggies THIS time. Instead, I served his favorite vegetable, broccoli, on the side.
Speaking of broccoli…
Nathan loves broccoli, and he also likes my homemade cream of broccoli soup. I use a basic pureed soup vegetable recipe from an older Better Homes and Gardens cookbook that I have had since 1989. This cookbook has a section on fresh vegetable soups, with suggestions on which herbs/spices to use based on the type of vegetable. This is an extremely easy recipe.
And so delicious! We have tried the potato, tomato, mushroom, and broccoli, and they are all delicious! You can find my tweaked version of the recipes here.
Plus, it’s inexpensive, doesn’t call for any fancy, costly ingredients, and is not too high in fat.
In case you’re wondering, the reason I like to give Nathan pureed soups is because he has texture issues and oftentimes will reject a multi-texture food.
Soup is a TERRIFIC way to make sure your child gets enough fluids AND veggies in his diet.
So, does your child drink enough water and eat his vegetables? If not, then this is what I recommend helping prevent dehydration:
A vegetable soup is a fantastic way to start feeding his or her body what it needs.
And if there your child has any kid of sensory and texture issues with food, then pureed soup are perfect for this.
Hopefully, most of my readers will be able to find at least one vegetable soup that will match their kid’s preferences. Notice that corn is not on the chart. Corn chowder is another yummy possibility.
Other things you might like:
12 Early Signs of Dehydration
Broccoli Soup and Other Free Veggie Soup Recipes
Broccoli Dot-to-Dot Activity Pack
6 Reasons You Need More Fruit in Your Diet
Healthy Alternatives for Picky Eaters
Also, here's a post I wrote with ten additional healthy soup recipes
by Deborah Hanyon, MPH, RDN, ACE-CHC | Mar 11, 2019 | Food Allergies and Special Diets
Does food affect autism? Though still a controversial topic, one thing I can definitely say is, “Yes, food affects autism.” How do I know this? It's simple. (Post may contain affiliate links)
FOOD AFFECTS EVERYONE
A healthy, balanced diet that is complete with all of the essential vitamins, minerals, fiber and good quality ingredients will make anyone feel better.
BUT Does Food Affect Autism?
Autism is traditionally viewed as a neurodevelopmental disorder. However, a large percentage of persons diagnosed also have digestive problems. Despite this, traditional treatments focus on controlling behavior through psychiatric and social therapies. These therapies are important in the overall treatment plan. But what has been largely ignored by the medical field is the role of diet in treating autism (and ADHD).
Research shows that the role of digestive disorders in the development of autism needs to be taken more seriously. Common digestive issues are constipation, diarrhea, and intolerance to milk products (casein) and gluten. And as many as 50% of children put on a gluten-free/casein-free diet (GF/CF) improve. Not only that, but other therapies, including supplementation, are shown to improve behavioral problems.
What follows is a brief summary showing the relationship between symptoms and nutritional status.
Different Diet Considerations
Dysfunction of the digestive system is more common in children with autism than in children without autism. Part of these dysfunctions can be explained by a lack of the enzymes required to properly digest certain carbohydrates and proteins. This helps to explain why many children respond well to a GF/CF diet. Gluten is the protein in certain grains and casein is the protein in cow's milk products.
Click here for help with GF/CF diet (Free download).
Some children have problems digesting certain types of carbohydrates as well. This is one of the reasons why so many different diets have been proposed. For example, the ketogenic diet, which is extremely low in carbohydrates, and the specific carbohydrate diet (SCD), which limits certain carbohydrates. Also, a low oxalate diet is sometimes proposed.
The Ketogenic Diet
The main issue with putting your children on any of these diets is the potential for nutritional deficiencies. For example, the ketogenic diet (90% fat, low protein, low carbohydrate) is extremely low in fiber and high in saturated fat. So there is a risk of cardiovascular complications and constipation (which is often already a problem). The Ketogenic diet has been shown to be effective in about 25% of children, and is a good option to consider IF YOUR CHILD HAS PROBLEMS WITH SEIZURES. The Ketogenic diet has been used to treat epilepsy for decades, though it is not effective for everyone. However, it is a highly restrictive diet and should not be followed without the guidance of a physician and a dietitian.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ketogenic_diet
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/neurology_neurosurgery/centers_clinics/epilepsy/diet-therapy.html
Here is an example of what a ketogenic diet might look like.
Specific Carbohydrate Diet (SCD)
This diet recommends limiting carbohydrates to monosaccharides, which are one molecule sugars. The rationale behind this idea is that polysaccharides (“poly” means “many) are harder to digest and contribute to digestive problems.
The logic goes something like this: “When foods aren't digested properly, sometimes there is “intestinal overgrowth” which leads to disease-causing bacteria in the gut.”
This diet is extremely restrictive, and in my opinion, not a diet that should be followed long-term. It may however, help with short term healing of the inflamed gut during acute flare-ups. But except for testimonials, the research is sorely lacking.
An example of what a SCD diet might look like is here.
Low Oxalate Diet
This diet is based on the possibility that high oxalate levels in the blood contribute to the symptoms of Autism. So, on this diet, foods rich in oxalates are avoided. For example, spinach, beetroots, cocoa, black tea, figs, lemon zest, and a whole slew of other foods.
Here is what a low-oxalate diet looks like.
Nutritional Status of Child with Autism
The reason supplementation is usually helpful is because a large percentage of children are deficient due to inadequate intake and poor absorption of nutrients.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids are extremely important to the proper development of the nervous system in children. This starts in the womb and is why it is important that pregnant moms are getting enough omega-3s in their diet. Breastmilk contains the essential omega-3s which previously were lacking in formula. In approximately 1999, the FDA approved omega-3s to be added to formulas because there was so much evidence showing their benefits.
As children grow, omega-3s continue to be important. However, seafood is one of the top allergens. Plus people in the US usually don't consume enough fish to meet needs. Thus, supplementation is usually necessary to see a difference. And there is strong evidence that supplementing with omega-3 fatty acids in kids with autism, aged 5-17, results in improvements in speech and articulation, openness to social interaction, as well as improved mental health.
In contrast, a deficiency of omega-3s results in loss of concentration, hyperactivity, dyslexia, dyspraxia, and the symptoms of autism. In other words, sometimes a contributing cause to the development of ADHD, autism, and other developmental delays is an omega-3 deficiency.
Vitamin B6 and Magnesium
Vitamin B6 is vital in the synthesis of neurotransmitters. For example, serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine and epinephrine. These are the neurotransmitters that are targeted when MDs prescribe medications to treat depression and sometimes ADHD. Persons with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) are also affected.
Research involving blood levels of vitamin B6 shows interesting results. Whereas blood levels of B6 are often high in persons with autism, the enzymes necessary to make the vitamin active, and thus useful to the body, are often low. This means that even if the child is consuming enough vitamin B6 through diet, it is possible that the B6 is not available for his body to use.
Research supports that vitamin B6 and magnesium supplementation improves behavior in persons with autism. Speak to your doctor if you are concerned about your child's B6 or magnesium status.
But you can start by working to assure that adequate amounts of both of these important nutrients are in your family's diet. One big step is encouraging whole grains, nuts and seeds as much as possible. Also, magnesium is rich in all green vegetables.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is an antioxidant and may have a protective effect. However, more research is needed in order to determine if vitamin supplementation is necessary. It is really not that hard to get enough vitamin C. One 8 ounce glass of Orange Juice, for example, has 120% of the US RDA of vitamin C. Broccoli, cauliflower, zucchini, tomatoes, pineapple and mango are all good sources as well. Click here for a list of foods high in vitamin C.
Vitamin A
If your child is deficient in vitamin A, supplementation may be helpful. However, vitamin A can be toxic in high doses. So I don't recommend supplementation except as part of a multivitamin supplement. Most multivitamins contain vitamin A.
Vitamin D
Inadequate Vitamin D intake has been linked to increased risk for autism. This was discussed elsewhere. It has also been shown to have a “neuro-protective” effect, and may be important to proper action of neurotransmitters as well.
Vitamin B12 and Folic Acid
Deficiencies in the Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) have been seen in patients with ASD. This appears to be related to autoantibodies that bind receptors necessary for folate use by the body. As a result, even though folate is high in the blood, it is not available to the body for use. Both B12 and folate are important for a healthy nervous system. So, it is important to make sure there is adequate intake of both vitamins. B12 is found in all animal products and fortified cereals and nondairy milks. Folate is rich in green vegetables and orange juice.
Iron
Children with autism and other sensory processing issues often limit food intake. Thus, iron deficiency is a common problem. However, due to the common digestive problems associated with autism (and ADHD), often the iron deficiency is related to poor absorption. The first step to preventing iron-deficiency is assuring your child is getting iron rich foods every day. You can increase the absorption by combining vitamin C rich foods with iron rich foods. See here for a list of food combinations that increase iron absorption.
Also, if you are concerned, have your child's iron levels tested. If they are low, your doctor may suggest a supplement.
Keep in mind that a multivitamin with iron will not usually contribute to constipation problems. However, high dosage iron supplements often do lead to constipation. Your doctor will help you weigh the benefits and the risks.
Zinc and Copper
The relationship between zinc and copper is confusing and complicated. Suffice it to say that both zinc and copper can be low in children with autism, but it is a fine line between too little and too much. Zinc affects copper status and vice versa. So, it's important to keep them in balance. This is where a Registered Dietitian who specializes in treating autism with supplements can greatly help.
Click here for a quick summary and sample menus for each of the three diets mentioned above. (Ketogenic, SCD, and Low Oxalate).
https://www.webmd.com/diet/features/diet-and-autism#1
https://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/features/specific-carbohydrate-diet-review#2
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23789306
See pic at right for Bible verse Nathan made the very first week of 4th grade.
